Strollers
What Type of Stroller Is Right For You?
Newborns
Newborns should have strollers with a full-recline position.
Infant to Toddlers
Infants to toddlers can ride in a convenience stroller until approximately 3 years old.
More Than One Child
More than one child can ride in a double stroller, and if an infant will be riding, be sure it has a fully-reclining seat.
Toddlers Only
Toddlers only may use an umbrella stroller since it’s a great choice for convenience and portability.
Other Considerations
Adult Height
Adult height differences call for strollers with telescoping, adjustable or pivoting handle heights that adjust for comfort.
Stride
Stride of the parent. Since longer legs take longer strides, choose a stroller with smaller wheels and adjustable handles so the walker can avoid constantly kicking them.
Weight
Weight of the stroller should be considered if you expect to be climbing stairs or frequently lifting the stroller in and out of vehicles. In these cases a lightweight stroller works best.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is key, so check for smooth opening and closing functions and wheel locking features.
Full-Size Strollers
Full-size strollers are larger and sturdier than convenience strollers. They are the “limousine” of strollers because they offer numerous convenience and comfort options. Although most are heavier than other styles, some full-size, lighter-weight models are made with aluminum frames and are easier to maneuver as well as rust-resistant. Full-size strollers are appropriate for newborns because they have a full-recline feature and remain suitable for use until your child reaches approximately 3 or 4 years of age. Full-size strollers offer a wide range of features and come in a variety of fabrics.
Features Available
• Multiple seat recline positions • Adjustable footrest & canopy • Dual wheel brakes for more responsive braking
• Removable weather boot for protection in the colder weather • Oversized wheels to absorb shocks and provide greater maneuverability • Shock-absorbing suspension system to keep baby comfortable while strolling over different terrain
• Extra seat padding • Machine washable seat pad
• Removable front tray • 5-pt. harness system • Large storage basket
What Is a Travel System?
It consists of a convenience stroller and an infant car seat, which attaches to the stroller. The infant car seat provides head, back and neck support for your newborn, while keeping baby in a comfortable, reclined position, just like a carriage. With the stay-in-car base feature, the infant car seat can also be used as an infant carrier. This allows you to take the infant car seat from the car to the stroller or vice versa without ever disturbing your baby. All travel systems are designed so that the car seat inserts with baby facing you. Once baby outgrows the infant car seat, it can be removed, converting the system into a convenience stroller. The stroller’s own seating and restraint system is used up until your child is approximately 4 years old. These strollers are designed to fold quickly, easily and compactly for storage, and offer many features that will make it a comfortable ride… for both of you.
In a Travel System, Stroller features may include
• 5-pt. harness system • One-hand fold
• Multiple-position seat recline • Large storage basket
• Adjustable canopy • Parent & child trays with cup holders
• Machine washable seat pads • All-terrain, swivel wheels
• Brakes that set with lever or foot pedal • Use up to approximately 40 lbs.
In a Travel System, Car Seat features may include
• Energy absorbing foam for impact protection • LATCH equipped stay-in-car adjustable base
• Adjustable Canopy • Carry Handle
• 5-pt. front adjust harness • Machine washable seat pad
• Infant head support
Stroller Frames
This metal frame allows you to snap most major infant car seat brands into place, creating a stroller. Each frame is extremely lightweight, easy to transport and folds compactly. A basket is usually included. This is a great way to utilize your existing infant car seat!
Jogging Strollers
Want a workout while you stroll with your baby? This is the stroller for you. You’ll recognize a jogging stroller by its unique design. They are three-wheeled vehicles, complete with comfortable seating, a parking brake, a storage basket and all-terrain wheels. This style is also made to fold quickly and easily. Because they don’t offer a fully-reclining seat, they are appropriate for infants from 6 months old and can be used up until the time they reach approximately 50 lbs.
Umbrella Strollers
This style was dubbed as the “umbrella” stroller because of its hooked “umbrella” handles and umbrella-type fold. If you are looking for a high-quality, lightweight stroller that’s easy to move in and out of a car… this would be the perfect choice. When it’s folded, it is very compact. They feature lightweight frames and weigh as little as 5 lbs. Umbrella strollers are available in a wide variety of prices, according to the features offered. They are recommended for use with infants – from approximately 6 months old – who don’t require head and neck support and can be used until the child is 3-4 years old.
Double Strollers
If you’re the lucky parent of twins… or if you have an infant and toddler in your household, taking them for a stroll by yourself may sound next to impossible… unless you have a stroller made for two children. Double strollers, duo strollers or tandem strollers let you walk with two children as easily as if you were walking with just one. These strollers are also handy for carrying a child and groceries, once one child has outgrown it. For the parents of twins, some offer the option to attach two infant car seats, creating a duo travel system. Another version includes a rear platform/seat where an older child can sit or stand on the back while an infant car seat or younger child can be accommodated in the front. All are available in a wide variety of fabrics and features. Double strollers are appropriate for newborns only when the fully-reclining seat feature is available and can be used until your toddler reaches approximately 4 years old.
Front-to-Back Style Double Strollers
Children sit facing forward, one in back of the other. These strollers fold easily, quickly and compactly for storage or travel. Features may include: separate canopies, individually reclining seats, rear wheel brakes, full-recline rear seat for a sleeping infant, removable/washable pads, separate footrests and restraining straps with safety buckle. If you prefer more options, there are some front-to-back full-size strollers with expanded options. Most models accept infant car seats.
Side-by-Side Style Double Strollers
Children can sit next to each other while you take them for a stroll! These strollers are lightweight and fold quickly, easily and compactly. Most fit through normal size doorways, making them even easier to use. Features may include European styling, thick padding, individually reclining seats, single or shared canopy, storage basket, footrest and restraining straps with safety buckle.
Source: Toys R Us
